Israeli forces sent more than 100 tons of bombs on the Gaza Strip in one of the bloodiest days in decades of Israeli-Palestinian fighting. The attack killed more than 200 Palestinians and wounded at least 400 more.

But there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of this tragic tunnel:

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said his country “cannot really accept” a ceasefire with Hamas. “For us to be asked to have a ceasefire with Hamas is like asking you to have a ceasefire with Al Qeada,” said Barak, in the televised interview Saturday afternoon. ” It’s something we cannot really accept.”

Some of the Israeli missiles struck in densely populated areas as students were leaving school, and women rushed into the streets frantically looking for their children. At least 15 civilians were killed, officials said.

The offensive began eight days after a six-month truce between Israel and the militants expired. The Israeli army says Palestinian militants have fired some 300 rockets and mortars at Israeli targets over the past week, and 10 times that number over the past year.

“There is a time for calm and there is a time for fighting, and now is the time for fighting,” said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, vowing to expand the operation if necessary.

“There are heads without bodies …. There’s blood in the corridors. People are weeping, women are crying, doctors are shouting, ” said nurse Ahmed Abdel Salaam from Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s main treatment center.

Gaza’s political leaders are in currently in hiding. Perhaps they need to step out and take charge so innocent children can be spared of the horror and killings. Just a thought.

[image: AP]